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Smaller Toughpads get voice connectivity

By GCN Staff

Jun 24, 2014

Panasonic announced two fully rugged, 5-inch enterprise-class handheld tablets designed for mobile professionals, such as first responders, military service members and those in transportation and logistics, utilities, manufacturing, retail and field services.

The Toughpad FZ-E1, powered by Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld, and the Toughpad FZ-X1, running the Android 4.2.2, are the first Toughpads to feature optional voice connectivity, the company said.

They also include 14-hour hot-swappable batteries, FIPS 140-2 Level 1 security and sunlight-readable HD touchscreens that work even with gloves. Both the Toughpad FZ-E1 and the Toughpad FZ-X1 are supported by a variety of accessories – such as holsters, vehicle mounts and chargers – as well as market-specific vertical apps.

Both the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 are FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliant, with OS-based enhanced security features to address the needs of government and enterprise customers. With tested resistance to drops of up to 10 feet to concrete, the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 go beyond MIL-STD-810G specifications to support

in-field reliability. Both devices are sealed against dust and are submersible in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, meeting IP65 and IP68 certification requirements. The devices carry an operating temperature range of -4° F to 140°F thanks to a built-in heater, and are also tested for resistance to impact, shock, vibration, altitude and extreme humidity, the company said.

In addition to front and rear cameras, configuration options such as an integrated 1D/2D barcode reader and an attachable magnetic stripe reader allow enterprises to customize the ideal tool for their workforces.

In order to offer voice connectivity, both models will be available with dual SIM slots and certified on leading mobile carrier networks for 4G LTE/3G/GPRS/CDMA2000 mobile broadband for voice and data.

Push-to-talk service also will be available on specific networks and depending on service contracts. Wi-Fi is standard on both models, as is near field communications, standalone GPS and Bluetooth. To ensure clear voice communication above engine or construction noise, the devices are equipped with intelligent noise cancelling and dual front speakers reaching a maximum volume of 100 decibels.

The Toughpad FZ-X1 with Wi-Fi or mobile broadband data connectivity will be available in August 2014 at a list price of $1,799 (Wi-Fi-only) or $1,849 (mobile broadband data). The Toughpad FZ-E1 with Wi-Fi-only connectivity will also be available in August 2014 at a list price of $1,899, followed by the telephony and mobile broadband-enabled version with a target date of October 2014 at a list price of $1,999. The Toughpad FZ-X1 enabled for telephony and mobile broadband data will have a target date of January 2015 at a list price of $1,899.